Jackson State University is pleased to announce Kentrice S. Rush as the Director of Marketing in the Division of University Communications, effective immediately.
“Kentrice has not only seamlessly transitioned into the role of marketing director but has also quickly made significant strides in advancing our marketing efforts,” said Dr. Tangelia Kelly, Chief Communications Officer and Executive Director of University Communications at JSU. “Her expertise and dedication make her the ideal choice for this position. I am confident she will continue to elevate JSU’s brand, and I am grateful for the leadership and momentum she has brought to our team.”
A JSU alumna, Rush was named interim in May 2024. As permanent, she will continue to lead the marketing team in developing and executing comprehensive, data-driven marketing strategies to enhance JSU’s brand visibility and continue positioning the institution as an established leader in higher education. She will also direct multi-channel marketing campaigns and initiatives, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all platforms, among other duties.
Rush enters the role with a wealth of marketing and digital communications experience. Her management and marketing skills have contributed to the growth of the university’s digital presence across various platforms such as Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Facebook, the official JSU mobile app, and other emerging media tools.
“I am deeply honored and thankful for the opportunity to transition from interim to the role of Director of Marketing at my alma mater, Jackson State University. I am excited to continue collaborating with our talented team to develop and execute comprehensive strategic marketing initiatives as we further enhance and promote the JSU brand, demonstrating why we are ‘Thee Standard,'” said Rush.
Rush’s journey at JSU began in 2015 as a social media associate, a role she excelled in and was subsequently promoted to digital media manager, a position she held from 2018 to 2024. Before joining JSU’s Division of University Communications, Rush served as a marketing consultant for the university. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Jackson State University, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Clark Atlanta University, and a film and video certificate from Full Sail University.
During her tenure at JSU, the institution has achieved significant success in social media, including being ranked as the top HBCU in the 2023 Rival IQ Engagement Report. Rush’s videography and photography works have been featured in prestigious platforms such as TIME Magazine, YouTube Originals, The Washington Post, CBS Sports, Andscape, and The Today Show. She is also a recipient of PhotoShelter’s 2017 Libris Iconic Images Award. Currently, she serves as the primary advisor for Outspoken Arts Collective at JSU.
Rush is a member of the American Marketing Association, College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.